Let us read it for you. Listen now. Your browser does not support the audio element. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell this week to its lowest level since mid-May, easing borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell from last week's 6.49% to 6.43%, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation mortgage buyer, Freddie Mac, said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.67%.